asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that subpostmasters in Great Britain and Northern Ireland have obtained independent arbitration, holidays with pay and gratuity on retirement; that since the Consultative Council was set up in 1956 to discuss the grievances of subpostmasters here only one pay claim has been settled while British and Northern Ireland subpostmasters have had six claims settled; that the minimum salary in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is £210 p.a.; and that in this State a sub-office doing comparable work is in receipt of only £125; and whether in view of the fact that the Subpostmasters' Union here have been denied independent arbitration and that the consultative machinery available is inadequate he will receive a deputation from the Union to discuss these grievances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remuneration and Conditions of Subpostmasters.
Since the Consultative Council was set up in 1956 by agreement with the Subpostmasters' Union there have been three major pay settlements and a number of increases in allowances following agreements reached by the council. These have resulted in a total increase of about £130,000 a year in the remuneration of subpostmasters. In the circumstances, I cannot agree that the consultative machinery is inadequate. I would not be prepared to receive a deputation from the union.
The remuneration and conditions of subpostmasters in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are not regarded as relevant here.
Can the Minister say why he will not receive a deputation from the union? Does the Minister not appreciate that it is normal practice to end disputes by negotiation and, with a little give and take on the part of the union and the Minister, it may be possible to solve the existing problems?
There is a consultative council in session. There are some matters still outstanding between the union and the council. I do not see why I should intervene.